Mat Item Number: K2.344 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular woven grass mat with a pattern of natural and yellow alternating vertical stripes crossed by narrow red alternating stripes. Woven as cloth with warp and weft double weave. Bands of red at either end.
History Of Use
For sitting, sleeping and praying.
Specific Techniques
Weaving techniques and materials in Benin vary from region to region. Common materials are bulrushes and water hyacinths. After a plant is plucked, its leaves and roots are removed. The remaining stem is then dried for a month before being woven.
Item History
- Made in Benin
- Collected by Deborah Taylor between 1971 and 1972
- Owned by Deborah Taylor before 1972
- Received from Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Deborah Taylor (Seller) during 1972
What
Who
- Culture
- West African
- Field Collector
- Deborah Taylor
- Previous Owner
- Deborah Taylor
- Received from
- Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Deborah Taylor (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Benin
When
- Collection Date
- between 1971 and 1972
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0200/0052